This week, Jews around the world completed the reading of the Book of Exodus—a book that offers a complete, stirring narrative of liberation. We journey together from a time when the Children of Israel were besieged by oppression in Egypt, to the miraculous transformation into a unified community set on a divine mission.

At the outset of Exodus, as circumstances grew increasingly dire in Egypt, five remarkable women emerged. Their courage and ingenuity would shape the destiny of an entire people.

First, Shifra and Puah, the midwives: They defied Pharaoh’s brutal decree to kill newborn boys, embodying the first act of resistance that would ripple through history.

Then, Miriam and Yoheved, Moses’ sister and mother: With unparalleled devotion, they ensured Moses’s survival—from Miriam’s vigilant watch over the infant afloat on the Nile to Yoheved’s selfless role in nurturing him.

Last, Pharaoh’s daughter: Bravely she rescued Moses, knowing he was a Hebrew child, offering him sanctuary and setting him on the path to becoming the liberator of his people.

Without these women, there would be no Moses—and no Exodus. Their actions remind us that even in moments of despair, resistance and resilience can ignite hope.

As we close the Book of Exodus, the narrative has shifted. We see a people who crossed the Red Sea, wandered past Sinai, and witnessed both the awe-inspiring revelation of God and the bitter lesson of the golden calf. God now calls upon them to build the Mishkan—the Tabernacle—a sacred space that would be the dwelling place of the Divine Presence.

This task is no longer about individual heroics. It is a communal endeavor that unites every member of the people—each one contributing unique talents. Women, who had once safeguarded and nurtured life, now lead the way in offering their hearts and hands to this holy project. Their contributions stand in stark contrast to the story of the Golden Calf, where only the men provided gold for an idol. Here, every gift, every act of devotion, matters.

In the final chapter of Exodus, Moses gathered all the parts of the Mishkan and, with God’s presence descending upon it, the people experienced a profound transformation. They began as scattered individuals, each with their own struggles, and through a shared divine purpose, they became a community. This is a powerful lesson: a task that no one could complete alone became the force that knit them together. It required every individual’s special talent—without regard to gender, age, or status.

There is a midrash about constructing the ornate menorah for the Mishkan. God’s instructions were so detailed that Moses struggled to visualize the final design. He asked God to describe it again, and still, he was unable to build it. It was Bezalel, the master artisan, who embraced the vision and brought it to life. This story teaches us that even our greatest leaders have limitations. We each have our own unique gifts.

The Torah doesn’t mention the others who helped behind the scenes; those who cared for children, prepared meals, mended clothes, and transported materials. Their work, though often unseen, is the backbone of every community. Whether you serve behind the scenes or in the spotlight, your contribution is essential.

A vibrant congregation is built on diversity. Some of us are retired; others work full-time. Some are parents, while others stay connected with loved ones by Zoom from afar. Some relish attending services, while others participate in less visible ways. Together, these varied contributions create a community that is healthy, wise, caring, and holy.

Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz once urged each of us to ask, “In what areas of my life do I rely solely on my ‘private altars’ of individual spiritual practice, and where might I benefit from connecting to something larger than myself?” He offered a call for us to recognize that being part of a community transforms and uplifts our individual spirits.

I believe that synagogues are portals to something higher—a place where each person’s unique light is celebrated and where collective purpose triumphs over isolation. The best communities welcome newcomers with open arms, support each other through all seasons of life, and lift their voices together in song and prayer.

May we continue to build and strengthen the sacred bond among us, ever mindful that each of us, with our unique gifts, is made in the image of God.